Zookeeper I / Zookeeper II / Zookeeper III Bird Keeper

Maintain and care for a variety of animals within the BioPark; assist curatorial and veterinary staff as needed and perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility. These positions are part of the BioPark Training and Certification program. 

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing. 

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Preferred Knowledge

• Principles and practices of animal behavior and physiology 
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices 
• Operations, services and activities of a biological park program 
• Methods and techniques of handling a variety of animals

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• Prepare adequate diets for animal consumption 
• Operate a variety of diet preparation equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner 
• Work independently in the absence of supervision •Ability to learn operations, services and activities of a biological park program 
• Ability to learn methods and techniques of handling a variety of animals 
• Learn to prepare diets for animal consumption 
• Learn to operate a variety of animal/arthropod diet preparation equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner 
• Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals/arthropods 
• Clean and maintain assigned animal enclosures according to established BioPark guidelines 
• Communicate clearly and concisely •Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Experience Required

ZOOKEEPER I, B23 ($17.51 - $18.51/hr) High school diploma or GED; and Two (2) years of experience in any combination of the following areas: exotic animal husbandry zookeeping arthropod rearing Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred. ZOOKEEPER II, B26 ($18.87-$19.87/hr) High school diploma or GED; and Three (3) years of experience in any combination of the following areas: exotic animal husbandry zookeeping arthropod rearing Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred. Must have completed Level 1 of the BioPark Training and Certification Program, or have 15 college level credit hours of college level work in biology, zoology, or animal science. ZOOKEEPER III, B29 ($20.65-$21.65/hr) High school diploma or GED, supplemented by thirty (30) credit hours of college level course work in zoology, biology, or animal science; and Four (4) years of experience in any combination of the following areas: exotic animal husbandry zookeeping arthropod rearing Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred. Must have completed Level 2 of the BioPark Training and Certification Program, or 15 credit hours of college level course work in zoology, biology, or animal science.

Further Comments

Additional Requirements: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire. Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months from hire date